The film opens with a care-free existence for Lee and her friends on the brink of war. Lee’s strong, defiant personality is quick to rise to the surface with her meeting her future husband, Roland, and you get a real feel for her character.  

‘Lee’ starts off by photographing the devastation caused by the Blitz and is already showing her immense creative talent. 

The film details the challenges faced by women at the time, as Lee has a lengthy battle to get to be a war correspondent and only succeeds because of her American citizenship. Women were not allowed in combat, which makes Lee’s achievement even more remarkable. 

The film dramatically changes direction with Lee firmly planted right in the action, photographing the first battle of the film, where her shock and disbelief is evident as she tries to navigate various trenches and hide outs. 

Lee’s mental health is the undercurrent of the film, with only a small reference to the traumatic event she suffered early in childhood in the last 10 minutes of the film which clearly had a devastating effect on her. She identifies with a small child who has suffered the same experience in what is a very moving scene when Lee and her companion, American photographer, David E. Scherman, see the devastating effects of concentration camps, Buchenwald, and Dachau.

Lee’s heavy drinking is also evident throughout, but Lee is no casualty. What you see instead is a strong, courageous woman who puts herself in the centre of the action capturing remarkable photos. The compassion her companion shows her is heartwarming in moments of her vulnerability, but for the rest of the film she is more than capable of looking after herself and the film depicts a deep friendship based on mutual respect for each other’s character and talent. Almost immediately David collaborates with her and is clearly in awe of her strength, both supporting each other through their individual difficulties. 

The film’s use of location takes you through her journey as a war correspondence and the various sights associated with that, a real contrast to the beautiful, sunny days in France, and an indication of just how bleak war is. The lighting is used to do just this with later scenes taking on a grey appearance with barely any light showing, further reinforcing a menacing darkness that has all too much encapsulated everything.

The film is excellently cast, with Kate Winslet the ideal choice for Lee, surpassing all expectations. I do not think I am aware of any film Kate has not delivered an outstanding performance but in this she is spectacular, you really cannot imagine any other actor playing this role.  The character of Audrey, played by Andrea Riseborough really compliments Lee and does her best to support Lee in all areas of her work and their friendship proves amusing to see as well as very moving. 

Lee is a reminder to us all the remarkable strength women have, and the film shines a light on the incredible contribution women gave for the war effort.